6 General Skilled Migration This booklet contains information on the Offshore General Skilled Migration (Migrant) and (Provisional) visa categories. For information on the Onshore General Skilled Migration visa categories see www.immi.gov.au/migration/skilled/ 1119 (Design date 04/08) 1119
About this booklet This booklet is designed so that you can understand the steps for applying for General Skilled Migration to Australia, and complete the application form with minimal, if any, help. This booklet is intended as a guide only. You should visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (the department) website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/ to obtain up-to-date information. This booklet is one of a series of booklets about migration to Australia. The other booklets are: 1 Partner Migration 2 Child Migration 3 Parent Migration 4 Other Family Migration 5 Employer Sponsored Migration 7 Business Skills Entry 8 Special Migration For general information about migration to Australia, read information form 1126i Migrating to Australia, or visit the department s website www.immi.gov.au Using a migration agent You do not need to use a migration agent to lodge a visa application. However, if you choose to use an agent, the department recommends that you use a registered migration agent. Under Australian law, anyone who uses knowledge of migration procedures to offer immigration assistance to a person wishing to obtain a visa to enter or remain in Australia must be registered or exempt from registration (see pages 43 44). All registered migration agents are bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct, which requires agents to act professionally in their clients lawful best interests. A list of registered migration agents is available from the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) website www.themara.com.au You can contact the MARA at: E-mail: themara@themara.com.au PO Box Q1551 QVB NSW 1230 AUSTRALIA Telephone: 61 2 9299 5446 Fax: 61 2 9299 8448 The MARA investigates complaints against registered migration agents and may take disciplinary action against them. If you have a concern about a registered migration agent, you should contact the MARA. The Code of Conduct and complaint form are available from the MARA website. 1119 (Design date 04/08) COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, 2008 Department of Immigration and Citizenship www.immi.gov.au
Contents Introduction 1 Where to apply 2 Terms you need to know 3 Part 1 Basic requirements 7 Age 7 English language 7 Qualifications 7 Nominated occupation 8 Recent work experience 8 Skills assessment 9 Part 2 Categories 10 General Skilled Migration visa categories (Offshore) 10 Permanent visas 10 Skilled Independent visas 11 Skilled Sponsored visas 11 Provisional visas 13 Skilled Regional Sponsored visas 13 Temporary visas 16 Skilled Recognised Graduate visas 16 Skill Matching Database 16 Lodging an application 16 Costs and charges 17 Continued overleaf This booklet contains information on the Offshore General Skilled Migration visa categories. Information on the Onshore General Skilled Migration visa categories is not included in this booklet. See www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ The department offers an online visa application service for General Skilled Migration visa applicants. See www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/
Contents (continued) Part 3 Points test and self-assessment 19 About the points test 19 Self-assessment form 21 Points for Skill 22 Age 23 English language ability 24 Specific employment 25 Australian employment 26 Australian qualifications 27 Occupation in demand (and job offer) 28 Designated language 29 Studying and living in Regional Australia 30 Partner skills 31 State/Territory government nomination 32 Designated Area sponsorship 32 Part 4 Health and character 33 Health 33 Character 35 Part 5 General information 36 Dependants 36 Part 6 Processing visa applications 38
Introduction This booklet is about the various Offshore General Skilled Migration visas and their requirements and is current at the date of publication. For the most detailed and current information on General Skilled Migration it is recommended you visit the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ If you are applying for one of the Onshore General Skilled categories you will need to visit the department s website as this booklet does not contain any information on these visa categories. This booklet will assist you to understand the steps for applying for General Skilled Migration to Australia, assess your eligibility to apply, and to complete the application form with minimal, if any, help. Please read all of this booklet as it will help you to understand what requirements you need to meet in order to have your application for one of the Offshore General Skilled Migration visas approved. Part 1 contains information on the basic requirements you need to meet in order to have your application accepted. If you are not able to meet these requirements then General Skilled Migration is not the right migration option for you. If you are able to meet the basic General Skilled Migration requirements you then need to select a visa category. The categories and their visas are described in Part 2. You need to select the most appropriate visa for your circumstances as this will help to ensure your application is successful. When you have selected the most appropriate visa for you, Part 3 will help you to assess your eligibility. You also need to read the section Limitations on applications (page 41) which has information on restrictions that may be imposed if you are in Australia when you want to lodge your application. For information on the Skilled Graduate and Skilled Recognised Graduate Temporary visas see form 1187i Graduate Skilled Temporary visas. 1
Where to apply If you wish to lodge an application for a General Skilled Migration visa the department offers an online visa application service. See www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/ All paper applications for a General Skilled Migration visa from outside Australia or in Australia must be sent to the following address only: By mail: Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre Department of Immigration and Citizenship GPO Box 1638 ADELAIDE SA 5001 AUSTRALIA By courier: Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre Department of Immigration and Citizenship 4th Floor, 55 Currie Street ADELAIDE SA 5000 AUSTRALIA Enquiries Telephone: 1300 364 613 (if calling from outside Australia dial the international code +61) Fax: 61 8 8237 6629 Online enquiry form: www.immi.gov.au/contacts/ 2
Terms you need to know To understand the requirements for General Skilled Migration to Australia, you need to know these terms. Applicant ASPC Assessing authority Australian mission Certified copy CRICOS Date of completion Department The applicant is the person (or persons) applying to migrate to Australia. Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre An assessing authority is a professional body or organisation with the expertise and knowledge to decide what skills are required for working in a particular skilled occupation. Applicants need to obtain a skills assessment for their nominated occupation from the relevant assessing authority. To identify the relevant assessing authority for your skilled occupation see form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL). An Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or Consulate-Mission General or Australian Trade Commission. Copy of a document authorised, or stamped as being a true copy of the original, by a person or agency recognised by the law of the person s home country. In Australia, this means a copy which is authorised as a true copy by a person before whom a Statutory Declaration may be made. Such authorised persons include the following: magistrate, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, Commissioner for Affidavits, solicitor, registered medical practitioner, bank manager, postal manager, an Australian Public Service Officer with 5 years or more service. The department also accepts documents certified by a registered migration agent. Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. To determine if a course is CRICOS registered, visit the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations website http://cricos.dest.gov.au The date of completion of an Australian qualification is the first date on which the tertiary institution publicly notifies you that you have met the requirements for the award. This notification can occur by letter, on the internet, by publication in a newspaper, by e-mail, or by bulletin board at the tertiary institution. It is not the date of conferral of your award. The date of conferral is the date that you actually receive your degree. Department of Immigration and Citizenship. 3
Terms you need to know (continued) Eligible New Zealand Citizen Eligible overseas student Employment IELTS OET Pass mark Permanent visa Points test Pool mark Provisional visa For sponsorship purposes, an Eligible New Zealand Citizen is a person who held a Special Category Visa (SCV) on 26 February 2001; or held a SCV for at least one year in the 2 years preceding that date; or has a certificate, issued under the Social Security Act 1991, that states that the New Zealand citizen was, for the purposes of that Act, residing in Australia on a particular date. Applications for these certificates closed on 26 February 2004 (for further details please contact Centrelink on 131 673). In order for an eligible New Zealand citizen to be a sponsor they must meet health and character requirements. The case officer processing the application will advise whether health and/or character checks will need to be undertaken. Refers to overseas students in Australia who are eligible to apply for the onshore students in Australia visa categories. For more details please refer to the Onshore General Skilled categories on the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ Having worked in paid employment for at least 20 hours a week. This refers to International English Language Testing System, the test required to assess your English language ability for migration purposes. For more details about IELTS, please visit the IELTS website www.ielts.org This refers to the Occupational English Test. In some professions, applicants are required to sit this test as part of the qualifications assessment. www.oet.com.au This is the total number of points you must score to pass the points test. You must reach the pass mark in effect on the day you lodge an application. If you pass, your application will be processed further. Check the the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ for the current pass mark. Permanent visa holders are able to enter, live and work in Australia indefinitely. After a specified period they can apply for Australian Citizenship. For some categories, you must pass a points test. The pass mark changes from time to time. Before choosing a category to apply under, you should do a self-assessment. More details about the points test and self-assessment are given in Part 3. If you do not achieve the pass mark, the pool mark is the total number of points you must score if your application is to be held in reserve for up to 2 years after it is assessed, in case a newer, lower pass mark is set. A General Skilled Migration provisional visa allows the holder to enter, live and work in Australia for a specified period. Provisional General Skilled Migration visas provide a pathway to permanent residence in Australia. 4
Terms you need to know (continued) Regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas Skilled Occupation List (SOL) Sponsor Statutory Declaration Substantive visa Two year study requirement The list of regional Australia/low population growth metropolitan areas for the purposes of awarding points for studying and residence in regional Australia is available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ If you are intending to apply under one of the General Skilled Migration categories, you must have a nominated occupation which is on the SOL at the time you apply. For more details about the SOL, please read form 1121i included in the Skilled Migration pack or visit the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/ For some categories you must be sponsored. A sponsor is a relative aged 18 years or over who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident or an Eligible New Zealand Citizen and is prepared to sponsor your application and who undertakes to assist the applicant, to the extent necessary, financially and in relation to accommodation for a period of 2 years. This declaration must be made before a person authorised by the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 and Regulations, which include the following: magistrate, Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, Commissioner for Affidavits, solicitor, registered medical practitioner, bank manager, postal manager, an Australian Public Service Officer with 5 years or more service. A substantive visa means a visa other than: a bridging visa; or a criminal justice visa; or an enforcement visa. To meet the two year study in Australia requirement you must have completed course work for the award by an Australian educational institution, one or more degree, diploma or trade qualification. The course or courses must: be registered on CRICOS as being a total of at least 92 weeks duration; be completed in no less than 16 calendar months have been undertaken while in Australia; and have had all instruction conducted in English. Any study used to meet the two year study requirement must be closely related to the nominated occupation and undertaken on a visa that allows you to study in Australia. 5
Terms you need to know (continued) Forms associated with a General Skilled Migration application Information forms Form 47P Form 886 Form 959i Form 990i Form 1071i Form 1121i Form 1163i Form 1187i Character requirements penal clearance certificates Settlement details Migrating to Australia Skilled Migration Charges Application forms Form 26 Form 47A Form 80 Form 160 Form 1101 Form 1276 Form 1277 Health requirement for permanent entry to Australia Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL) Health requirement for temporary entry to Australia Graduate Skilled Temporary visas Medical examination for an Australian visa Details of child or other dependent family member aged 18 years or over Personal particulars for character assessment Radiological report on chest x-ray of an applicant for an Australian visa Police records check Consent to obtain personal information Application for general skilled migration to Australia Application for sponsorship under general skilled migration Note: All forms are available free of charge from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/ 6
Part 1: Basic requirements PART 1 Basic requirements For General Skilled Migration to Australia, you must be able to satisfy the following basic requirements. Age You must be under 45 years of age when you apply. English language Qualifications To work in a skilled occupation in Australia you need to have good English. Applicants for a General Skilled Migration visa are required to have competent English or vocational English if they nominate a skilled trade occupation. A further exception applies to applicants for provisional visas who will meet the English language threshold if they have concessional competent English and paid a fee to attend English language tuition in a participating state or territory. For some professional occupations, the assessing authority will require a higher level of English as part of their skills assessment process. You must submit evidence of your English language ability when you lodge your application so you will need to have your English skills tested before you apply unless you hold a passport issued by: the United Kingdom; the United States of America; Canada; Ireland; or New Zealand. You must have been awarded a post secondary qualification which is at least equivalent to an Australian Bachelors degree (or higher), diploma or trade qualification (AQF certificate III or IV). You also need to have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for working in your nominated occupation. Note: In exceptional cases if an applicant without a post secondary qualification nominates a highly specialised 60 point skilled occupation and has extensive skilled work experience this may be accepted. This would only be considered if the assessing authority has issued a positive skills assessment based on the applicant s work experience in that occupation. 7
Part 1: Basic requirements Nominated occupation When you apply, you must nominate a skilled occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) (for more details about the SOL please read form 1121i available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/) Note: If your nominated occupation is not on the SOL you cannot apply. Recent work experience This requirement is separate to the need to have your skills assessed as suitable for your nominated occupation before you apply. You must provide evidence that you have been in paid employment in a skilled occupation on the SOL (form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL)) for at least 12 months in the 24 months immediately before applying. This period of employment must have been accrued when you were in the workplace. It does not include any extended paid leave such as maternity or other family leave. If you are using skilled work experience gained in Australia to meet this requirement, that work must have been undertaken at the appropriate skill level and when you held a visa that permitted you to work. For some skilled occupations you may need to have a longer period of specific work experience to be issued with a skills assessment. Recent work experience exemption you do not need to meet the work experience requirement if you meet the two year study requirement (see page 5) less than 6 months before lodging your visa application. If you intend taking advantage of this concession you should note that the 6 month period begins from the date of completion (see page 3) of the qualification, and not from the date the qualification was conferred. This exemption cannot be used to waive any specific work experience requirement imposed by an assessing body as part of a skills assessment. 8
Part 1: Basic requirements Skills assessment Before you apply, you must have had your skills assessed as suitable for your occupation by an assessing authority (as outlined on form 1121i Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Employer Nomination Scheme Occupation List (ENSOL)) for your nominated occupation. You also need to find out if the occupation you have nominated requires you to be registered, licensed, or be a member of a professional or industry organisation. Where an Australian qualification is used as the basis for a skills assessment it must have been awarded as a result of undertaking a full-time CRICOS registered course while being the holder of an eligible student visa. Note: These assessing authorities are responsible for undertaking skills assessment for migration purposes, and are NOT employment agencies. The assessing authorities will not reply to requests for job placement. Nor can they give advice on the allocation of points. In addition to your skills assessment, you may need to obtain licensing or registration in your occupation before you can work in the state or territory where you settle. You may also require additional training or membership of a particular industry association. Information on licensing, registration, industry associations and a number of other skills recognition topics for all occupations on the Skilled Occupations list is available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ Note: If you are not able to satisfy these basic requirements, you will NOT be eligible for General Skilled Migration. 9
Part 2: Categories PART 2 Categories General Skilled Migration visa categories (Offshore) Permanent visas To apply for General Skilled Migration you need to select the visa with the requirements you believe that you will be able to meet. After reading the information provided in Part 2 and Part 3, you will be able to select the most appropriate visa using the information provided. There are 3 categories Permanent, Provisional and Temporary. If you are not able to meet the requirements for one of the permanent visas, a provisional or temporary visa can provide a pathway to permanent residence. Note: As the following General Skilled Migration visas are offshore visas, this generally means if you (and any dependants included in your application) are in Australia, you can apply for one of these visas but you must be outside Australia when your visa is granted. If you are a New Zealand citizen who holds a Special Category visa (subclass 444) and you apply for General Skilled Migration while in Australia, you can be in Australia or outside Australia when your visa is granted. You must be highly skilled, hold a post secondary qualification (unless you can demonstrate you have extensive, highly specialised skilled work experience in a 60 point occupation) and have good English. As these are points tested visas, you will also need to have sufficient skill points to reach the pass mark. (See Part 3 Points Test and self assessment ). 10
Part 2: Categories Skilled Independent (subclass 175) To be eligible for this visa you must: satisfy the basic requirements (see page 7); be able to pass the points test; at the time you apply, you must submit evidence that: you are under 45 years of age; you have been employed in a skilled occupation for at least 12 of the last 24 months OR you met the two year study requirement in the last 6 months; the relevant assessing authority has assessed your skills as suitable for working in your nominated occupation (if the assessment is based on an Australian qualification obtained on a student visa it must have been part of a CRICOS registered course); you have vocational English and have nominated a trade occupation or you have competent English. Skilled Sponsored (subclass 176) To be eligible for this visa you must: satisfy the basic requirements (see page 7); be able to pass the points test; be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible Australian relative; at the time you apply, you must submit evidence that: you are under 45 years of age; you have been employed in a skilled occupation for at least 12 of the last 24 months OR you met the two year study requirement in the last 6 months; the relevant assessing authority has assessed your skills as suitable for working in your nominated occupation (if the assessment is based on an Australian qualification obtained on a student visa it must have been part of a CRICOS registered course); you have vocational English and have nominated a trade occupation or you have competent English. Sponsorship by a relative If you have a relative who is willing to sponsor you, he or she will need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen (see page 4). You or your spouse or interdependent partner must be related to your sponsor as: a non-dependent child (a natural, adopted or step-child); a parent (including adopted or step parents); a brother or sister (including an adopted or step-sibling); a niece or nephew (including adopted or step-niece or nephew); an aunt or uncle (including adopted or step-aunt or uncle). If you are relying on sponsorship by a person related to your spouse or interdependent partner, your partner must be included in your application. To ensure the processing of your application is not delayed, please include a diagram of your family tree with your application. You will also need to include all relevant documents as evidence of your relationship to your sponsor. 11
Part 2: Categories State/Territory nomination If you are considering nomination by a state or territory government you must be willing to settle in that state or territory. Participating states and territories select who is eligible for nomination on the basis of the skills in demand in that jurisdiction. (Please check the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ for the latest list and related links.) States and territories aim to select skilled migrants who have a good chance of gaining employment in that state or territory within a short time of their arrival. A state or territory is not the employer and there is no employer nomination. As nomination is based on there being a need for individuals with your skills it is expected that you will be able to find employment quickly but this is not guaranteed. If you accept a nomination there are a number of obligations you will be required to meet. These include that you: remain in the nominating state or territory for at least 2 years; and will keep the state or territory informed of changes in your address details before and after arrival; and will be prepared to complete surveys and provide information as required; and will meet any other requirements of the nominating state or territory. Options if you are unable to meet the Skilled permanent visa pass mark Skill Matching Database If you meet the pool mark you can still lodge your application and indicate on the application form that you would like to be registered on the Skill Matching Database (see page 16). Provisional Skilled visa If you meet the basic requirements for General Skilled Migration you may wish to consider lodging, with the support of a state or territory government agency or an eligible relative living in a Designated Area, an application for a Skilled Regional Sponsored visa (see page 13). 12
Part 2: Categories Provisional visas Provisional visas provide a pathway to permanent residence for visa holders. Skilled Regional Sponsored (subclass 475) This visa is points tested but has a lower pass mark than the permanent visas and a lower level of English language ability (see below). To apply, you must: be able to satisfy basic requirements; be able to pass the points test; and be sponsored by an eligible Australian relative living in a Designated Area, or nominated by a participating state or territory government agency. The visa is valid for 3 years and as a holder of this visa you must abide by the condition that you live, work and/or study in Regional Australia or a Designated Area. English language requirement If you do not have competent English, or vocational English if a skilled trade occupation has been nominated (as defined on page 24), you may still qualify under this category if you have achieved an overall band score of 5.5 (in an IELTS test). You will need to have made arrangements with a participating state or territory government to upgrade your English skills to competent English. Information about which states/territories participate in this scheme can be found at www.immi.gov.au/skills/ Where you must live, work and/or study Where you are required to live, work and/or study will depend on who has supported your visa application. If you were sponsored by a relative it will be in a Designated Area and if you have state or territory nomination, a regional area or low population growth metropolitan area. (See pages 14 and 15 for the list of areas that meet these definitions.) Sponsorship by a relative If you have a relative living in a Designated Area who is willing to sponsor you, he or she will need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen (see page 4). You or your spouse or interdependent partner must be related to your sponsor as: a non-dependent child (a natural, adopted or step-child); a parent (including adopted or step parents); a brother or sister (including an adopted or step-sibling); a niece or nephew (including adopted or step-niece or nephew); an aunt or uncle (including adopted or step-aunt or uncle); a first cousin; or a grandchild. If you are relying on sponsorship by a person related to your spouse or interdependent partner, your partner must also be included in your application. To ensure the processing of your application is not delayed, please include a diagram of your family tree with your application. You will also need to include all relevant documents as evidence of your relationship to your sponsor and their residential address. 13
Part 2: Categories Designated Areas State or Territory Australian Capital Territory New South Wales Northern Territory Queensland South Australia Tasmania Victoria Western Australia Designated Area Entire territory Postcodes 2311 to 2312 (except Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong) 2328 to 2333 2336 to 2490 2535 to 2551 2575 to 2739 2787 to 2898 Entire territory Postcodes 4019 to 4028 (except Brisbane metropolitan area) 4037 to 4050 4079 to 4100 4114, 4118 4124 to 4150 4158 to 4168 4180 to 4899 Entire state Entire state Entire state Postcodes 6042 6044 (except Perth metropolitan area) 6126 6200 to 6799 State/Territory Nomination For further information on state/territory government nomination, links to the websites of the participating governments can be accessed from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ 14
Part 2: Categories Regional Australia or Low population growth metropolitan areas Regional Australia and low population growth metropolitan areas Postcodes inclusive New South Wales 2311 to 2312 (except Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and Wollongong) 2328 to 2411 2420 to 2490 2536 to 2551 2575 to 2594 2618 to 2739 2787 to 2898 Northern Territory All postcodes within the Northern Territory Queensland 4124 to 4125 (except the greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast) 4133, 4211 4270 to 4272 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287 4307 to 4499 4515 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899 South Australia All postcodes within South Australia Tasmania All postcodes within Tasmania Victoria 3211 to 3334 (except Melbourne metropolitan area) 3340 to 3424 3430 to 3649 3658 to 3749, 3753, 3756, 3758, 3762, 3764 3778 to 3781 3783, 3797, 3799 3810 to 3909 3921 to 3925 3945 to 3974 3979 3981 to 3996 Western Australia 6041 to 6044 (except Perth and surroundings areas) 6083 to 6084 6121 to 6126 6200 to 6799 Permanent residence for Skilled Regional Sponsored visa holders If you are granted a Skilled Regional Sponsored visa you can apply for a permanent visa with the support of an employer in regional Australia at any time. Information on the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme is available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/skilled-workers/rsms/ Once you have held your provisional visa for at least 2 years you can apply for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa if you have lived for 2 years and worked full-time for at least one year in a Designated Area or Regional Australia. To be granted a permanent General Skilled Migration visa you must have complied with the conditions of your provisional visa. Information on the Skilled Regional (subclass 887) visa is available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/general-skilled-migration/visa-options.htm 15
Part 2: Categories Temporary visas Skilled Recognised Graduate (subclass 476) This visa is valid for 18 months and is for graduates from a recognised university. You will need to check the department s website for the current list of universities www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ The visa is not points tested. To apply, you must: be under 31 years of age when your application is lodged; and have completed a qualification at a listed university, in a field in demand in Australia. If you are granted a Recognised Graduate visa you can apply for a permanent General Skilled Migration visa at any time during the 18 months while holding this visa. Skill Matching Database Skill matching is designed to improve migration outcomes by linking applicants with employers and/or with state and territory governments who might want to nominate them. The skill matching process means that information on a skilled migration applicant s qualifications and experience is made available through a web-based tool to Australian employers and to state and territory governments. An abridged version of the database can be viewed on the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ Once on the database you may be nominated by a state or territory government under the Skilled Sponsored category or be nominated by an employer under the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, Employer Nomination Scheme or a Labour Agreement. Further information on these categories is available from the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ Lodging an application It is important that you lodge your Offshore General Skilled migration application with all the documents necessary to assess your application. Lodging a complete application assists case officers in making a fair and complete assessment of your claims and results in faster processing times. Applications that are not complete may be refused. You will find the checklist of the documents you must provide in support of your application on the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ 16
Part 2: Categories Costs and charges Skills assessment All costs and charges are in Australian dollars (AUD). Payment must be made in Australian dollars. To check the Visa Application Charge, see form 990i Charges available from the Forms section of the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i.htm or check with the nearest office of the department. Before you lodge an application for General Skilled Migration, there will be a charge for the assessment of your skills for your nominated occupation imposed by the relevant assessing authority. For information about the assessing authorities see form 1121i included in the General Skilled Migration pack or on the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/ Application charge or first instalment Payment must accompany your application and is generally not refunded if the application is unsuccessful. To check the Visa Application Charge, see form 990i Charges available from the Forms section of the department s website www.immi.gov.au/allforms/990i.htm or check with the nearest office of the department. If members of your family unit are included in your application, only one application charge is payable for the entire family unit. If a separate application is made by them at a later date, a separate charge is payable. Second instalment Visa Application Charge (English language tuition) Method of payment Members of your family unit aged 18 years or over included in your application who have been assessed as not having functional English language skills will be required to pay a second instalment charge (see form 990i Charges) which entitles them to English language tuition in Australia to achieve functional English. The full amount of this charge must be paid before a visa can be granted to you. Members of your family unit who are able to demonstrate functional English ability (eg. obtain an overall band score of 4.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)) do not have to pay this charge. Applicants who pay this charge will receive information about the Adult Migrant English Program and where they can receive their tuition when the visa is granted. In Australia To make a payment, please pay by credit card, debit card, bank cheque or money order made payable to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. Debit card and credit card are the preferred methods of payment. Outside Australia You must lodge your application with the Adelaide Skilled Processing Centre, but you are able to make a payment at an Australian Government office overseas. Before making a payment outside Australia, please check with the Australian Government office where you intend to lodge your application as to what methods of payment and currencies they can accept and to whom the payment should be made payable. 17
Part 2: Categories English proficiency testing Medical costs Other costs To be awarded maximum points for your English skills you will need to submit the results of an IELTS test in which you scored at least 7 points for each of the 4 components proficient English. OET test results can also be provided. Health professionals require an Occupational English Test (OET) as part of their skills assessment process. Check the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ for information on the OET score that is accepted as being equivalent to proficient English. To be assessed as having competent English if you are not the holder of a specified passport you will need to submit the results of an IELTS test in which you scored at least 6 points for each of the 4 components or an equivalent result in an OET test. Both IELTS and the OET impose charges for conducting these tests. Further information on IELTS and the OET is available on their websites www.ielts.org (IELTS) or www.oet.com.au (OET). For further information on English language requirements and specified passport holders see page 24. You and members of your family may be required to undergo a medical and x-ray examination. The cost of the examination is a matter between you and the doctor undertaking the examination. You should also be prepared to pay other costs associated with your application, such as those required to obtain a character clearance (see page 35) from authorities in your country, and the cost of certified translations of some documents. 18
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment PART 3 Points test and self-assessment About the points test If you apply under the: Skilled Independent; Skilled Sponsored; or Skilled Regional Sponsored; categories, you will be assessed against a points test. Points are awarded for: skill; age; English language ability; specific employment; Australian employment; Australian qualifications; occupation in demand (and job offer); designated language; studying and living in regional Australia; partner skills; State/Territory government nomination; and Designated Area sponsorship. 19
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment Pass mark and pool mark You must gain sufficient points to reach the pass mark for the visa you have applied for. The pass mark changes from time to time. Check the department s website www.immi.gov.au/skilled/ for the current pass mark. Permanent General Skilled Migration visa applicants who achieve a score below the pass mark (but above another mark, known as the pool mark ) will have their applications held in reserve for up to 2 years after assessment. If the pass mark is lowered at any time in that 2 year period, and your score is equal to, or higher than, the new pass mark, your case will be processed further. For options if you do not meet the pass mark see page 12. Points allocation/pre-assessment requests The department will not provide individual advice to applicants regarding their points score or ability to meet the pass mark. 20
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment Self-assessment Complete the Self-assessment form as you go through the rest of this section. This will give you an indication of how successful your application might be. If you have a spouse or interdependent partner, it may be worthwhile to also obtain a skills and English language assessment for your spouse/interdependent partner to see whose application may have the best chance of success. When making your assessment remember that either you or your spouse/interdependent partner must meet the pass mark individually. If your spouse/interdependent partner s skills are to be used to obtain spouse/interdependent partner skills points under the points test (see below), a skills assessment for your spouse/interdependent partner must be lodged before a final decision is made on your application, otherwise they cannot be taken into account. Self-assessment form Complete this form as you go through the rest of this section It will give you an indication of how successful your application might be. Note: A self-assessment should not be seen as a guarantee of success. Your actual application will be rigorously assessed on the information and evidence you provide, using the pass mark which applies at the time of lodgement. Points Skill (see page 22) Age (see page 23) English language ability (see page 24) Specific employment (see page 25) Australian employment (see page 26) Australian qualifications (see page 27) Occupation in demand (and job offer) (see page 28) Designated language (see page 29) Studying and living in regional Australia (see page 30) Partner skills (see page 31) State/Territory government nomination (see page 32) Designated Area sponsorship (see page 32) Total Skill points 21
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for Skill The occupation you nominate must be on the Skilled Occupation List current at the time you apply (see form 1121i), and should be one which fits your skills and qualifications. 60 points for most occupations where training is specific to the occupation. In most cases, you must have a qualification (such as a degree or trade certificate) and experience which meets the relevant Australian standards and which is specifically related to your nominated occupation and be able to meet any registration requirements in Australia. In some cases, experience without formal qualifications may be acceptable. 50 points for more general professional occupations. You must have a qualification equivalent to an Australian bachelor degree or higher qualification (but it need not be specifically related to your nominated occupation). 40 points for other general skilled occupations. You must have a qualification equivalent to an Australian diploma or advanced diploma (but it need not be specifically related to your nominated occupation). A Before you lodge your application box (such as the one below) appears on each of the following pages in this section. They are not necessary for your self-assessment but are important steps to take before completing your application form. Before you lodge your application 1. Before you apply, you must have your skills assessed by the relevant assessing authority as suitable for your nominated occupation. (Form 1121i tells you what you have to do.) 2. You cannot lodge a valid application unless you include a skills assessment issued by the Australian assessing authority for your nominated occupation. 3. You must also include with your application certified copies of all the documents you provided to the assessing authority. 22
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for Age Age at time of application 18 29 years 30 34 years 35 39 years 40 44 years Points 30 25 20 15 Before you lodge your application 1. Obtain your birth certificate, passport or other proof of age. 2. Proof of age should be included with your application. 23
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for English language ability Proficient English English language ability You have an operational command of English with the ability to use and understand complex language well and comprehend detailed reasoning. Competent English You have a generally effective command of the English language. You are able to use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. Concessional competent English You have basic competence in the English language, but your skills may not be consistent across the 4 areas of reading, writing, listening and speaking. You are only able to claim points for this level if you have applied for the Skilled Regional Sponsored visa and have paid a fee to attend English language tuition in a participating state or territory. Vocational English You have a reasonable command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations. You must be able to communicate effectively in your own field of employment. You are only able to claim points for this level if you have nominated a skilled trade occupation. IELTS Standard (or equivalent) IELTS score of at least 7 on each of the 4 components of the test speaking, reading, writing and listening, OR equivalent standard in a specified test. IELTS score of at least 6 on each of the 4 components of the test speaking, reading, writing and listening, OR equivalent standard in a specified test OR hold a specified passport. An average band score of IELTS 5.5. IELTS score of at least 5 on each of the 4 components of the test speaking, reading, writing and listening, OR equivalent standard in a specified test OR hold a specified passport. Points 25 15 15 15 24 Before you lodge your application You need to ensure you are able to provide evidence of your English language ability. IELTS has an academic test and a general training test unless you are required to do otherwise by your assessing authority you only need to take the general training test. If you wish to provide your IELTS test result as evidence of your English language ability, you only need to provide the Test Report Form (TRF) Number that is on your IELTS certificate. What you will need to submit as evidence of your English language ability depends on the number of points you would like to be awarded for this skill. A specified passport is a passport issued by: United Kingdom (UK); Republic of Ireland; United States of America (USA); New Zealand; or Canada. Test results must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply.
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for Specific employment This is different to recent work experience (see page 8) which is a basic requirement for the General Skilled Migration categories. If your nominated occupation is worth 60 points and you have worked in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation at a skilled level for at least 3 of the 4 years immediately before you apply. If your nominated occupation is worth 40, 50 or 60 points, and you have worked in skilled employment (any occupations listed on the Skilled Occupation List, see form 1121i) for at least 3 of the 4 years immediately before you apply. Points 10 5 Note: If you are using employment undertaken in Australia to meet this requirement, that work must have been undertaken while you were the holder of a visa authorising you to work. Before you lodge your application 1. Obtain evidence such as employment references and detailed duty statements covering the required period. (These documents may also be required in order to satisfy the recent work experience basic requirement). Employment references must: be written on the official letterhead of the company or government department providing the reference; The letterhead should indicate clearly the full address of the company and any telephone, fax numbers, e-mail and website addresses; The name and position of the person authorised to sign the employment reference should be typed or stamped below that person s signature; The contact telephone number of the person writing the reference should be included in the letter; The letter should indicate the exact period of employment (including whether permanent or temporary, full or part-time), position(s) held, the 5 main duties undertaken and the salary earned positions should not be described by generic titles (eg. research officer, public servant) but according to the nature of the duties undertaken (eg. research chemist, accounts clerk); A payslip from your current employment should also be included this is especially important from applicants working in government departments. 2. For you to receive these points, documentary evidence should be included with your application. 25
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for Australian employment Points can be awarded if you have a total of 12 months skilled work experience gained in Australia within the 48 months immediately before lodging your application. The visa you held over this period must have been one that allowed you to work. You have been employed in Australia in your nominated occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for a total of 12 months in the 48 months immediately before lodging your application. You have completed a professional year in Australia in your skilled occupation or a closely related skilled occupation for a total of 12 months in the 48 months immediately before lodging your application. Points 10 10 Before you lodge your application Points for completing a professional year will only be awarded for courses specified by the Minister. Please see the department s website for the current list of professional courses. 26
Part 3: Points test and self-assessment points for Australian qualifications Applicants with Australian qualifications have a greater chance of employment in Australia. You may receive points for one of the following Australian qualifications that was completed whilst present in Australia and where all the instruction was in English: You have completed an Australian doctorate at an Australian educational institution after a period of at least 2 years full-time (2 academic years) while in Australia OR You have completed an Australian Masters or Honours degree (at least upper second class level) at an Australian educational institution while physically present in Australia, and prior to completing the Masters or Honours degree, you were awarded an Australian bachelor degree as a result of at least 1 year full-time study while physically present in Australia, and the total period of full-time study in Australia was at least 3 academic years. OR You have completed an Australian Bachelor degree at an Australian educational institution while physically present in Australia, and based on your course results, your award states that you were awarded honours at least upper second class level, and the total period of full-time study in Australia was at least 3 academic years. OR You have completed an Australian degree, diploma or trade qualification while in Australia, and you have studied full-time in Australia for a total of at least 2 years (2 academic years) towards the award of a degree, diploma or trade qualification. Points 25 15 5 Before you lodge your application 1. For you to receive these points, a certified copy of your qualifications and/or a certified copy of notification of your results and a transcript of your academic record (degree, diploma, certificate, etc.) should be included with your application. 2. You do not need to meet the recent work experience requirement if you have completed your Australian qualification less than 6 months before lodging your migration application (see page 7, Basic requirements). If you intend taking advantage of this concession you should note that the 6 month period begins from the date of completion of the qualification, and not from the date the qualification was conferred. 27